St Lucia Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. Start with a thrilling 2-hour boat safari on the St Lucia river, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and majestic fish eagles. Then, enjoy a leisurely coastal walk showcasing the area’s natural beauty. The tour culminates with a visit to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project, providing insights into the rehabilitation of cheetahs and other wild cats. This 12-hour adventure promises an enriching experience, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of this remarkable region. Discover why this tour has captured the attention of nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike.

Good To Know

• This 12-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a 2-hour boat safari on the St Lucia river and a visit to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project.
• The boat safari offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles in their natural habitat within the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.
• The tour includes a leisurely coastal walk to appreciate the area’s natural beauty after the boat safari.
• The visit to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project allows participants to learn about the rehabilitation efforts for cheetahs, wild cats, and cervals.
• The tour is highly rated by past participants, who praised its value for money, safety, service, and overall organization.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What does the tour offer? This 12-hour boat safari and wildlife tour takes visitors to South Africa’s Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour includes a 2-hour boat safari on the St Lucia river, where guests can spot hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles. After the boat ride, there’s a leisurely walk to appreciate the coastal beauty.

The tour also includes a visit to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project, where guests can learn about the rehabilitation of cheetahs, wild cats, and servals.

The tour is offered in various languages and is rated 5/5 by past participants. Priced at $263.12 per person, the tour includes entrance fees, a professional guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a departure from Durban to the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site spanning 332,000 hectares and designated in December 1999. Participants then embark on a 2-hour boat safari on the St Lucia river, providing opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles. After the boat tour, visitors enjoy a leisurely walk along the estuary to appreciate the coastal beauty. The final stop is the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project, where they learn about the rehabilitation of cheetahs, wild cats, and cervals.

Activity	Duration	Location
Boat Safari	2 hours	St Lucia River
Estuary Walk	Leisurely	Isimangaliso Wetlands
Emdoneni Wild Cat Project	–	Emdoneni

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package covers the entrance fees, National Park fees, professional guide, and hotel pick-up/drop-off (within 10 km of Durban).

Travelers will need to bring their own food, drinks, and gratuities, which aren’t included. It’s recommended to carry cash for lunch during the tour.

The booking is flexible, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickups are available from hotels within a 5 km radius of Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, Durban, and the Durban harbour passenger terminal.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but travelers should inform the local partner prior to the tour.

Booking Information

For this tour, customers can take advantage of the flexible booking options. They can reserve their spot now and pay later, which provides convenience and peace of mind.

Plus, customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in their travel plans.

Pickup is available from hotels within a 5 km radius of Gooderson Tropicana Hotel, Durban, and the Durban harbour passenger terminal.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, but customers should inform the local partner prior to the tour to ensure proper accommodations.

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Customer Feedback

According to the information provided, the tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 1 verified booking review.

The review highlights praise for the tour’s value for money, safety, service, and organization.

The key points from the customer feedback are:

1. Value for money: 5/5
2. Safety: 5/5
3. Service: 5/5
4. Organization: 5/5

This feedback suggests the tour offers an exceptional experience, providing great value, ensuring guest safety, delivering excellent service, and maintaining high organizational standards.

Discover Isimangaliso Wetlands

Isimangaliso Wetlands Park is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, covering an expansive 332,000 hectares. This diverse ecosystem is home to an array of wildlife, from roaming hippos to soaring fish eagles. Visitors can explore the park’s wonders through various activities:

Activity	Description
Boat Safari	Cruise along the St Lucia river, spotting crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat.
Coastal Walks	Enjoy leisurely strolls along the estuary, taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Wildlife Encounters	Visit the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project to learn about the rehabilitation of cheetahs, wild cats, and servals.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty and wildlife of Isimangaliso Wetlands, a true gem of South Africa’s outdoor experiences.

Boat Safari on St Lucia River

Aboard the boat, visitors embark on a captivating 2-hour safari along the St Lucia river, seeing the wonders of Isimangaliso Wetlands.

The journey offers the chance to spot:

1. Majestic hippos lounging in the waters.
2. Powerful crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.
3. Graceful fish eagles soaring overhead.

The leisurely cruise allows guests to appreciate the area’s coastal beauty and diverse wildlife up close.

Knowledgeable guides share insights about the ecosystem, ensuring an informative and memorable experience within this renowned World Heritage Site.

Emdoneni Wild Cat Project

After the captivating boat safari, the tour continues to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project.

Here, visitors have the chance to learn about the rehabilitation efforts for cheetahs, wild cats, and cervals. The project aims to educate people about these magnificent felines and their conservation.

Guests can observe the cats in their enclosures and gain insights into the challenges they face in the wild. The tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and importance of these predators, while supporting the project’s mission to protect and nurture these vulnerable species.

The Emdoneni Wild Cat Project offers a memorable and informative addition to the overall tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though they’re not included in the tour price. It’s recommended to carry cash for purchasing lunch during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Safari?

The tour does not have any age restrictions for the boat safari. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should supervise young children. The tour provider can accommodate families and guests of all ages.

Can I Take Photographs During the Boat Safari and Wildlife Visits?

Yes, visitors are generally permitted to take photographs during the boat safari and wildlife visits. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider in advance for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography.

Is There Any Wi-Fi or Mobile Network Coverage During the Tour?

There’s no mention of Wi-Fi or mobile network coverage during the tour. Participants should expect limited connectivity, as the tour ventures into remote natural areas. Bring a portable charger and plan accordingly for any necessary communication during the excursion.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

Per the tour details, the duration is fixed at 12 hours. However, customers can inquire about adding additional activities or extending the tour, though this may incur additional costs. The local partner should be contacted directly to discuss any such customizations.

The Sum Up

The St Lucia Boat Safari and Emdoneni Wild Cat Day Tour offers an immersive experience in the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park. The boat safari on the St Lucia River and the visit to the Emdoneni Wild Cat Project provide unique opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and learn about conservation efforts. This 12-hour adventure is an ideal way to discover the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can check availability for your dates here: